The clock showed almost midnight when Xavier's black car stopped in front of the door. The door opened, and the man stepped inside with a firm stride. He had taken off his suit jacket in the car, his tie was loose, and his face looked tired after a full day managing Astervale. Yet, as he passed through the living room, his steps halted.
There, on the long sofa, Liora lay with a thin blanket covering her body. Her hair was slightly disheveled, her cheeks pale, but her breathing was even. On the side table, a glass of warm milk had gone cold, and the reading lamp was still dimly lit.
Xavier stood for a few seconds, watching her. A faint smile appeared on his cold face.
She waited for me until she fell asleep here.
Slowly, he approached and then knelt beside the sofa. His fingers brushed
